Shaw employee claims $2M Powerball prize, endows scholarship

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Raleigh, N.C. — A Shaw University alumna and longtime employee claimed a $2 million Powerball prize Thursday and said she will dedicate some of her winnings to fund a scholarship in her family's name.

Marilyn Fields who works as the executive assistant to the president of the university, said she will also set aside money for her grandchildren's education.

"For me, it was a miracle to attend Shaw University," Fields said in a statement released by the North Carolina Education Lottery. "By awarding a student with the Richardson Johnson Fields Endowed Scholarship, I can give students who are doing the best that they can academically, but still need financial help, the same opportunity I had."

Fields, 59, met her husband, Charlie, while they were both students at Shaw. Her son, Brandon, also graduated from there, and her daughter, Nina, attended the school

“Marilyn is beloved by this institution,” Gaddis J. Faulcon, Shaw’s acting president, said in a statement released by the university. “She has been a faithful and consistent donor and has given Shaw her time, talent and money for nearly 40 years. She has sponsored students, given some money and has done whatever she can for those in need. We are thrilled and thankful for her. This could not have happened to a better person.”

Fields bought her winning ticket at her usual spot – a Food Lion on Six Forks Road in Raleigh. The ticket beat odds of 1 in 5.1 million to match all five white balls drawn.

She will get a one-time cash payment of $1,384,000 after taxes are withheld.

“I think that’s awesome,” store manager Thomas Cestaros said. “I know it’s a random event and it could happen anywhere. But...I’m floored that the ticket was sold at our store.”

A ticket sold in Ohio matched all six numbers in Wednesday’s drawing to win the $124.9 million jackpot.

Powerball is played in 42 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. North Carolina has had three Powerball jackpot winners of $74.5 million to $141.4 million.

Kim StewJul 10, 2014

I am happy for you Marilyn!

Beth PearceJul 10, 2014

While that amount of money is not a super large amount, it is enough to be "set for life" if someone is smart with it. I hope the person or persons who won, are smart and will realize that amount can be gone through super fast!

Beth PearceJul 10, 2014

Someone is going to be very happy, once they realize they are the winner! Good for them!

Big MikeJul 10, 2014

Did he use his MVP card???

Linda Kerns KelloggJul 10, 2014

lucky person! I think the store gets $ for selling the winning ticket too, right? Maybe now they'll hire some more clerks for checkout during rush hour. I have been there with 1 clerk trying to do it all.

MeeJul 10, 2014

Congrats. Can I win next?

Forthe NewssiteJul 10, 2014

dang! Congrats to the winner and the store! I'd take the lump sum as well